Western Conference NHL Playoff First Round MatchUps

This matchup will be a great one. These teams know each other well and match up very evenly. I can easily see this one going 7. San Jose wins the playoffs series 4-3

2. Detroit Red Wings (51-20-10)
7. Columbus Blue Jackets (41-31-10)

The Detroit Red Wings are still one of the most dominant teams in the NHL. They are consistent and strong and they have not lost any pieces from their Stanley Cup team from a year ago. If the Jackets stand a chance, it will be up to rookie goalie Steve Mason to carry the team to victory. Detroit wins the playoffs series 4-1

3. Vancouver Canucks (45-27-10)
6. St. Louis Blues (41-31-10)

The Vancouver Canucks have a solid all-around lineup anchored by goalie Roberto Luongo. The St. Louis Blues caught fire the second half of the season to make the playoffs. This should be a very even matchup overall. St. Louis wins the playoffs series 4-3

4. Chicago Blackhawks (45-24-12)
5. Calgary Flames (46-30-6)

Youth goes up against experience in this great first round playoff matchup. The Chicago Blackhawks have been solid all year long with a good mix of offense and a strong defense anchored by a set of young defensemen. The Calgary Flames have a number of guys injured and faded a little towards the end, but they do have a lot of offensive weapons and a great goalie in Mikka Kiprusoff. Chicago wins the playoffs series 4-2

Eastern Conference Hockey Playoff First Round MatchUps

1. Boston Bruins (52-19-10)
8. Montreal Canadians(41-30-11)

The Montreal Canadiens barely made it into the playoffs after playing a great first half of the season and a horrible second half. The Boston Bruins have led the Eastern Conference all-year long and are a very balanced team. Can Montreal get their swagger back or are they in for a beating? Boston wins the playoffs series 4-1

2. Washington Capitals (50-24-8)
7. New York Rangers (42-30-9)

The Washington Capitals are a scoring machine, with Ovechkin, Semin and Mike Green leading the way. Their only real weak spot is in net, but they should be able to light up Lundqvist. The Rangers have a good defense, strong goaltending and no offensive firepower. They need Lundqvist to stand on his head. Washington wins the playoffs series 4-2

3. New Jersey Devils (51-27-4)
6. Carolina Hurricanes (45-30-7)

This is going to be a great first round NHL playoff series. Both teams have outstanding goaltending, high scoring players and strong defenders. I see this one going 7. Carolina wins the playoffs series 4-3

4. Pittsburgh Penguins (45-28-9)
5. Philadelphia Flyers (44-26-11)

The battle of Pennsylvania continues in this even matchup. Lots of stars on both sides, including Malkin, Crosby, Carter and Richards to name a few. Both teams are strong in both ends and have reliable goaltending. Flyers wins the playoffs series 4-2

Stay tuned to updates and predictions for the 2009 NHL Playoffs as well as NHL draft news by subscribing to the Cool Hockey Blog and also check out my 2008 Stanley Cup Playoff 2nd Round Predictions when they come out and feel free to comment below with your picks.